Bristol store crowned favourite charity shop in South West
The St Peter’s Hospice shop in Westbury Park has been named The UK’s Favourite Charity Shop in the South West by the Charity Retail Association.
The shop, which stocks men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, books, homeware, toys and more, has taken the title in the first ever search for the country’s favourite charity shop.
One of 6,500 retail units nominated across the UK, Westbury Park’s St Peter’s Hospice shop claimed the win in a public vote involving almost 13,000 people.
In total there 12 charity shops have taken the title of area winner across the UK.
Manager of the shop, Harriet Wheadon, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the news that our store has been named a winner of the UK’s Favourite Charity Shop Awards!
“This is a huge boost for our amazing team of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to run our shop and welcome our lovely and supportive community through the doors every day.
“We’re hoping that the win will mean more people will visit us to see what the country’s favourite charity shop can offer and that in turn we continue to raise vital funds for our much-loved local Hospice.”
John Broomhead, St Peter’s Hospice retail director, said: “This is fantastic news for our Westbury Park shop and for the Hospice.
“Our charity retail offering really is second to none and to be recognised by a body like the Charity Retail Association is a testament to that.
“Shoppers are becoming both increasingly cost-conscious and sustainability-conscious so our shops, providing high quality pre-loved items at affordable prices, tick those boxes while also raising money for Hospice care.
“We’re incredibly proud of our shops across Bristol and we couldn’t do it without the generosity of those who donate and those who shop, so thank you.”
The awards are the first of their kind and were launched in June to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Charity Retail Association, the membership organisation for charity shops in the UK.
Robin Osterley, chief executive of the Charity Retail Association, said: “This award is a testament to the dedication of the shop’s staff and volunteers, and highlights what this wonderful store means to the local community.”
Osterley will be visiting the Westbury Park shop on 24 October to present the award.
St Peter’s Hospice is a local charity caring for adults with incurable illnesses in the Bristol, South Gloucestershire, and North Somerset areas. Care is extended to family members, loved ones and carers, offering bereavement therapy and supportive drop in sessions. As a charity, St Peter’s Hospice relies heavily on donations and community fundraising to provide its vital services.